I’m Dr. Hooman Melamed, and I’ve been a cosmetic surgeon for 18 years. I’ve performed thousands of breast reductions, and I want to help you understand what to expect before and after your surgery.

Breast reduction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States. It’s also one of the most common procedures performed by my practice.

A breast reduction removes excess fat and tissue from breasts that are too large, or that have been damaged by pregnancy or weight gain/loss. The aim of this procedure is to restore balance between your chest and your body type—and it can also help relieve back pain caused by large breasts.

The average cost of breast reduction surgery is $5,000-$10,000 per side (depending on where you live). This cost may include anesthesia, hospital fees, medications, post-operative visits with me (I see all my patients at least twice), and any follow-up care needed after surgery (which usually includes massage therapy). I recommend getting quotes from at least three different cosmetic surgeons before deciding who will perform your procedure!

How much is an average breast reduction

A Breast Reduction Surgery Cost

Thinking of a breast reduction? You’re probably wondering what a surgery like that costs.

Several variables factor into the cost of a breast reduction, including your surgeon’s expertise and location. Let’s dive in.

WHAT FACTORS INTO THE COST OF A BREAST REDUCTION?

The average cost of a breast reduction procedure in the United States varies. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average can be as low as $5,913. In other places, such as New York or California, prices are higher. You’ll need to consider other factors before understanding the true cost of a breast reduction, including:

• The surgeon’s experience and expertise in performing breast reduction surgeries can significantly impact the cost of the procedure.Always make sure you undergo plastic surgery with a highly experienced, qualified plastic surgeon. A lower price tag might look appealing upfront, but you could be putting yourself at severe risk if you work with an inexperienced surgeon. With over ten years of deep-rooted experience in plastic and reconstructive surgeries, Dr. Kashan’s technique enables his patients to witness stunning results with every procedure.
• The type of anesthesia used during the procedure can affect the cost.
• The cost of using the surgical facility, including staff, equipment and other supplies.
• Pre-operative tests and medications.
• Post-operative garments that reduce swelling and provide support.
• The cost of living and healthcare in the place you’re getting the surgery.
• Insurance coverage. If the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to symptoms such as back or neck pain, insurance may cover a portion of the cost.

Patients of Dr. Kashan’s can opt to pay using Care Credit. With Care Credit, you can easily cover the cost of your procedure through monthly installments without having to worry about high out-of-pocket costs. Simply apply for Care Credit with Dr. Kashan online using this link and get an answer within minutes. Enjoy the benefits of your aesthetic journey while making convenient monthly payments that fit your budget.

WHY GET A BREAST REDUCTION?

Patients opt for breast reductions for several reasons. These might include:

• Physical discomfort: Large breasts can cause physical discomfort, such as back, neck and shoulder pain.
• Difficulty with physical activities: Women with large breasts may find it challenging to participate in physical activities or sports due to the size and weight of their breasts.
• Posture problems: Large breasts can also cause poor posture and spinal curvature, leading to long-term health issues and chronic pain.
• Difficulty finding clothes that fit properly: Women with large breasts may struggle to find clothes that fit properly, which can lead to frustration and low self-esteem.
• Self-consciousness: Some women may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their large breasts, leading to anxiety and a negative self-image. In young women, it can lead to judgment and ostracization from their peers, which also affects their self-confidence.

Breast reduction surgery can help alleviate these issues by reducing the size and weight of the breasts, improving physical comfort and boosting self-confidence.

HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE WORK?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size and weight of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin. This procedure also involves lifting and reshaping the breasts to give them a more youthful appearance. The procedure typically involves several steps, starting with the administration of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to ensure the patient is comfortable and that the surgery remains pain-free.

Dr. Kashan will then make an incision around the areola and down to the breast crease. The length and pattern of the incision will depend on the amount of breast tissue to be removed. He removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin from the breast to achieve the desired size and shape. The nipple and areola will be repositioned to a higher position on the breast. The size of the areola is often reduced and made to be more symmetrical as it tends to stretch and expand with larger breast sizes.

After completing the tissue removal process, Dr. Kashan closes the incisions with sutures and may use surgical tape or skin adhesives to support the incision site. The patient will be monitored in the recovery room for a few hours and is discharged home the same day. Dr. Kashan and his team will provide instructions on post-operative care and follow-up appointments.

The exact techniques used for breast reduction surgery may vary depending on the patient’s unique anatomy and desired outcomes. The procedure typically takes several hours to complete, and patients can expect some soreness and swelling for a few weeks after surgery.

What to Know About Breast Reduction Surgery

If your breast size is causing you discomfort, or if you want smaller breasts for cosmetic reasons, breast reduction surgery may be an option for you.

It’s important to first discuss this procedure with a surgeon. You’ll want to understand the potential benefits versus the side effects associated with this type of surgery and whether it’s right for you.

In preparation for that discussion, here’s some general information on breast reduction surgery, including what you can expect during the procedure, what the recovery is like, potential side effects, and more.

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery (also called reduction mammaplasty) is a type of invasive procedure that involves incisions (cuts) in your skin to decrease the size and weight of your breasts. If elected for cosmetic purposes, the surgery may also reduce sagging.

In addition to decreasing your overall breast size, the surgery will lift your nipples and breast mound higher on your chest and typically improve the shape of your breast.

Why people consider having breast reduction surgery

The decision to undergo breast reduction is based on a number of factors. While some people elect to have this surgery for cosmetic reasons only, others may want smaller breasts to ease physical discomfort, including:

• chronic back pain
• breast pain during exercise and other activities
• persistent rashes underneath and between your breasts
• hunched posture
• problems from bras, such as shoulder dents from bra straps
• trouble with how certain clothing fits, including shirts and swimsuits

Additionally, a breast reduction may help soothe emotional distress that may occur with large breasts due to possible related physical discomforts you may chronically experience. Such considerations may lead to an overall improved quality of life.

Who’s a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?

A plastic surgeon can help determine whether you’re a good candidate for breast reduction. Chronic back pain is the most common reason individuals elect to have this surgery.

Breast surgeries are most typically done in adults. But some teens may also qualify for a breast reduction when they have significant discomfort that lasts for a year or longer, and in individuals who retain the same breast size for at least a year.

Other considerations include your overall health and whether you engage in certain behaviors that could affect the recovery process, such as smoking.

What’s a breast reduction procedure like?

Most breast reduction surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis with the help of general anesthesia, which is when a combination of medications called anesthetics are used to put you in a sleep-like state before a surgery or other medical procedure.

Incisions are made directly along your breasts so the surgeon may remove excess fat, skin, and tissues. Your breasts are then reshaped, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

A surgeon may use one of the following methods for this procedure:

• Vertical (“lollipop”) reduction. This method involves one incision made vertically from the bottom of your areola, or the circle of darker skin surrounding your nipple, to the bottom of your breast folds, as well as another circumferential incision around the border of your areola. This method is best suited for moderate breast size reduction and if you also have noticeable sagging.
• Inverted-T (“anchor”) reduction. With this method, a surgeon uses the same incisions as a lollipop reduction, with an additional incision made along the bottom crease of your breasts. This type of surgery is best for more significant size reductions, as well as if you have more noticeable breast sagging and asymmetry.
• Liposuction. If you want a slight breast reduction only, a surgeon may recommend liposuction. This is a less invasive procedure that involves removing a small amount of fat. But this method isn’t recommended if you have large amounts of fatty tissues, sagging, or asymmetry.

Another potential optionTrusted Source is a combined breast lift and augmentation. Most often used for aesthetic purposes, this procedure involves a traditional breast reduction along with implants to achieve the desired shape and lower the risk of sagging.

What’s the recovery like for breast reduction surgery?

A breast reduction is a major surgery, so it’s important to plan for ample recovery time to allow for proper healing. You may leave your surgery with drainage tubes that you’ll need to care for. These tubes keep fluid from collecting in the surgical area and are typically kept in place for a few days.

Although you may be able to go home on the day of your surgery, you should plan to take 1 full week off of work or school.

A doctor or healthcare professional will instruct you to take prescription pain medications for a few days and, if needed, an over-the-counter version for a couple of weeks after your procedure. Your breasts will be bandaged to reduce bleeding and swelling, and you’ll be sent home with a surgical bra.

Initially, you can expect pain, swelling, and soreness. While you may be able to resume most of your usual activities within 3 to 4 weeks, you may be restricted to light walking only within the first few weeks following breast reduction surgery.

It will also take time for you to experience the full effects of a breast reduction. At first, your breasts may be swollen as they heal, but they may also feel lighter within the first 2 to 3 months. In all, it can take up to 1 year for your breasts to fully soften.

Are there any potential side effects or risks to be aware of?

As with any major surgery, a breast reduction may pose the risk of infection, scarring, and bleeding. There’s also possible anesthesia side effects to consider too, such as nausea, dry mouth, or a sore throat.

Other risks and side effects that may be specific to this type of surgery include the following:

• numbness in your nipples
• puckered-looking scars
• internal scars that create a bumpy texture
• your incisions opening, especially at the bottom
• your stitches come out instead of dissolving
• asymmetry between your breasts
• nipple shape changes
• difficulty with breastfeeding
• in rare cases, your nipple and areola may not have enough blood flow to survive, which is called nipple necrosisTrusted Source

Also, talk with a surgeon if you plan on any future pregnancies, as this may affect the shape and size of your breasts after having surgery. For some people, doctors may advise that you wait until you’re finished having children.

Where can you find a qualified surgeon?

Deciding to have a breast reduction is a major decision and one that you should make with a qualified and experienced surgeon.

At the minimum, a prospective surgeon ought to be board certified. They should also be able to show you a portfolio of their work with before and after photos.

Questions to ask a potential surgeon

When shopping for a surgeon, here’s a list of key questions you can ask at your consultation:

• What’s your training and education?
• Are you board certified?
• Will the procedure take place in an accredited facility?
• Which breast reduction method is best for me?
• Do you have a portfolio of work for comparison?
• What risks and side effects should I be aware of?
• When can I expect to see results after my surgery?
• How much will my procedure cost? Do you take my insurance?
• Do you offer any payment plans?

How much does breast reduction surgery cost, and is it covered by insurance?

The average cost of a breast reduction without insurance ranges between $7,705 to $9,765. Keep in mind that the procedure, accompanying anesthesia, and any hospital stays are all separate costs.

Whether you can use medical insurance for a breast reduction depends on the reason you’ve elected to have the surgery. Breast reduction surgery done for aesthetic reasons is considered a cosmetic procedure.

In such cases, an insurance company won’t cover the costs of cosmetic surgery. The average out-of-pocket cost for aesthetic-based breast reduction surgery was $5,913 in 2020, according to data from that year.

On the other hand, if you want a breast reduction due to chronic pain and other physical ailments, your insurance may cover this procedure. The caveat is that most insurance companies will want proof that you’ve tried other nonsurgical methods first, such as physical therapy.

In addition, some insurance companies may require that a minimum amount of breast tissue, which is calculated based on your body weight, must be removed for the surgery to be covered.

Takeaway

Breast reduction surgery is intended to decrease the size of your breasts.

While this procedure may be chosen for cosmetic purposes only, many people elect to have this surgery as a way to correct ongoing pain and discomfort due to large breasts.

As with any surgery, it’s important to carefully weigh the benefits versus potential risks and to discuss these with a doctor.

Is a breast reduction permanent?

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin. Breast reduction aims to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body. The surgery may be performed to relieve the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. This procedure is also called reduction mammoplasty.

Overly large breasts can cause some women both health and emotional problems. The physical discomfort may include back, neck and shoulder pain, and skin irritation beneath the breast crease. The weight of excess breast tissue can restrict a woman’s ability to lead an active life. Some women also feel very self-conscious about having large breasts.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic treatments to boost your confidence, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

Changes to laws that affect cosmetic surgery

In 2018, amendments were made to the Health Services Act 1988 to regulate all surgery, including cosmetic surgery. The changes specified that:

• all surgery must be carried out in a registered private hospital or day procedure centre
• liposuction and anaesthesia, including intravenous sedation and anything more than a low dose of local anaesthetic, must be carried out in a registered private hospital or day procedure centre.

This means that it is now illegal for:

• any surgery (including cosmetic surgery) to be performed in facilities that are not registered with the Victorian Department of Health
• anaesthetic (other than low doses of local anaesthetic) to be administered in an unregistered facility.

How do I know if a facility or health service establishment is registered?

To find out if a facility is registered, you can:

• visit the Department of Health Private hospitals page and expand the ‘contact details for private hospitals’ link
• email the Department’s Private Hospitals Unit privatehospitals@health.vic.gov.au
• ask to see the facility’s certificate of registration (this is usually on display in an obvious place where consumers can see it easily).

You can also contact the unit to report suspected illegal activity or for further queries regarding liposuction, cosmetic surgery or anaesthesia in Victoria.

Things to consider before breast reduction surgery

Some important issues to consider include:

• The procedure is best done when breasts are fully developed.
• Breast and nipple piercings can cause an infection.
• Breast reduction surgery can interfere with some diagnostic procedures.
• Your ability to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery may be limited. Talk to your medical practitioner if you are planning to breastfeed a baby in the future.
• Changes in the breasts during pregnancy or significant weight loss or gain can alter the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery.
• Think about the financial cost. Breast reduction is commonly considered a reconstructive surgical procedure (although there is a cosmetic component to it), so the surgery may be covered by health insurance if it is performed to relieve medical symptoms. For more information:
• Ask your medical practitioner about any out-of-pocket costs you can expect, and if you will be eligible for a rebate.
• Visit PrivateHealth.gov.au for more information on private health insurance.
• Smokers are at increased risk of complications. To decrease the risk of complications, and for your general health and wellbeing, try to quit smoking before having surgery.
• Consider asking another medical practitioner for a second opinion. It is important to have as much information as possible, before deciding to have breast reduction surgery.

Finding a qualified medical practitioner

Ask your GP for advice on a reputable medical practitioner or hospital where breast reductions are performed.

At your first consultation, ask the medical practitioner about their training and experience.

This procedure should be done by a medical practitioner who is specially trained to perform breast reductions and has a lot of experience in carrying out this type of surgery. Ask to see the medical practitioner’s certificates that show them to be qualified to perform this specialised surgery.

All doctors practising in Victoria must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia (the Board). Find out if your medical practitioner is registered with the Board by searching on the AHPRA website.

Your current medical status and breast reduction surgery

If you are considering having breast reduction surgery, you need to discuss your current medical status with your medical practitioner. This includes discussing:

• your physical health – including your past medical history, such as diseases, illnesses, surgeries, immunisations and current physical status, which will include your diet and exercise regime. This would be a good time for the medical practitioner to check your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate/rhythm, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate
• your mental health – any mental illnesses or issues and their treatments
• medications you are currently on, including vitamins and supplements
• past reactions to medications
• any allergies you have.

As a result of this discussion, your medical practitioner will be able to assess the risks and possible complications of the surgery for you. They will also be able to tell you what preparations you will need to make to ensure your recovery from surgery is as smooth as possible.

Breast reduction surgery – what happens during surgery

All surgery, including breast reduction surgery, must be performed within licensed and accredited facilities. A registered anaesthetist must be present to treat you for any adverse reaction you may have to the anaesthetic. You can check if your anaesthetist is registered by searching on the AHPRA website.

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic. In some cases, when the reduction is only small, the medical practitioner may opt for local anaesthetic with sedation.

Generally speaking, breast reduction surgery involves:

• The medical practitioner makes an incision (cut) around the nipple. The incision is continued in a straight vertical line to the breast crease. Sometimes, a further cut is made in the crease beneath the breast.
• In most cases, the nipple remains attached to its blood and nerve supply at all times. Sometimes, however, an extremely heavy breast may need a ‘free nipple graft’. The nipple is removed and reattached at a higher point on the breast.
• Excess skin, fat and glandular tissue is removed. Sometimes, the medical practitioner will use liposuction to help remove excess fat. (Occasionally, the medical practitioner can reduce the size of breasts by liposuction alone.)
• The medical practitioner puts stitches deep inside the breast tissue to add support.
• Skin incisions are brought together and closed.

Immediately after breast reduction surgery

After breast reduction surgery, you may expect:

• a drainage tube in the wound to help prevent fluid build-up
• bruising and swelling
• possible numbness
• pain and discomfort
• dressings or bandages
• the results of the breast reduction surgery to be immediately visible.

Potential complications with breast reduction surgery

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of breast reduction include:

• surgical risks such as bleeding or infection
• breathing difficulties due to general anaesthetic or the endotracheal tube which can cause swelling, noisy breathing and discomfort
• fluid accumulation around the operation site(s)
• allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions
• skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
• damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
• fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)
• changes in breast and nipple sensation
• temporary or permanent areas of numbness
• wrinkling of the skin over the implant
• keloid, or lumpy scar tissue, which is raised and irregularly shaped. These scars may be inflamed and itchy
• asymmetry (unevenness) of the breasts
• breastfeeding difficulties, including reduced milk supply
• further surgery to treat complications
• risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack
• a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain, and may be life threatening
• potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
• need for further surgery to treat complications

This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. Speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

Self-care after breast reduction surgery

Your medical practitioner will provide you with post-operative care instructions, such as:

• how to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery
• medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
• specific concerns to look for at the surgical site(s) or in your general health
• when to follow-up with your medical practitioner.

Long-term outlook after breast reduction surgery

Over time, swelling from the surgery will reduce. It may take about 18 months for the scarring to fade into faint lines. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover. Your new breast size should help relieve the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction, and you may find that a better proportioned figure will boost your self-confidence.

The results of this procedure should be permanent. However, over time, your breasts can change due to ageing, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity.

Alternatives to breast reduction surgery

Alternatives to breast reduction can include:

• significant weight loss, if you are overweight
• professionally fitted bras
• liposuction
• talking to a counsellor or psychologist – this may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.